Cholesterol: We Can’t Live Without It
Cholesterol is essential for hormones, cell membranes, bile, and organs like the brain. But the body makes all the
cholesterol it needs, so getting too much from the diet can raise LDL cholesterol to unhealthy levels. This can
cause a build-up in the arteries and lead to blocked or damaged blood vessels.
Desirable
Cholesterol Levels
Less than 170 mg/dL - total cholesterol
Less than 110 mg/dL - low LDL “bad” cholesterol
35 mg/dL or higher - high HDL “good” cholesterol
Less than 150 mg/dL - Triglycerides